If you have a disability or trouble moving around independently, a mobility scooter can give you a tremendous amount of independence which, for many people, is totally life-changing.
However, with the increasing popularity of mobility scooters, the theft risk has also increased. It is important to keep your mobility scooter secure to prevent it from being stolen. Having your scooter stolen or vandalised can be a devastating thing to experience, not only costing you a lot of money to repair or replace, but also taking away your freedom to move around independently.
Fortunately, there are many ways you can keep your scooter more secure and deter thefts from trying to take your scooter. The two best ways to do this are by using a mobile scooter lock and by taking care how (and where) you park. This article will give you some handy tips to use these two methods most effectively.
Surewise Acceptance Criteria
It is important to note that other insurers may have different criteria and you should check the policy wording from your individual insurer.
Although the following tips are helpful to deter thieves, in order for your claim to be accepted by Surewise and regardless of whether your scooter is on your property or not the following criteria must be met:
- Your scooter needs to be attached to an immovable object and out of sight when not in use.
- We will not cover you if your scooter is left unattended and unattached for longer than 1 hour. We will cover you if you leave your scooter unattended for up to an hour.
You can find this information in your Surewise policy wording on page 13.
Choosing the Right Mobility Scooter Lock
When it comes to choosing the right mobility scooter lock, there are several options available. The best lock for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Here are some factors to consider when choosing yours:
Please note: Investing in an additional lock for your vehicle may make it less likely to be stolen but are not usually considered strong enough for insurance purposes because they don’t tether it to something immovable.
Type of Lock
The most common types of mobility scooter locks include wheel locks, chain locks, U-locks, and cable locks. Wheel locks are easy to use and can be a good visual deterrent, but they may not be the most secure option. Chain locks and U-locks are more secure but can be heavier and bulkier to carry around. Cable locks are lightweight and easy to carry, but they may not provide the same level of security as chain or U-locks.
Security Level
Consider the security level of the lock you choose. Look for locks that are made of durable materials and have a high level of resistance to cutting and picking. Some locks may have a security rating, such as Sold Secure or ART, which can help you determine their level of security.
Portability
Think about how portable you need your lock to be. If you plan to use your mobility scooter frequently and need to carry your lock with you, consider a lightweight and compact option. If you plan to attach your lock to your scooter, weight and size may not be as much of a concern.
Ease of Use
Choose a lock that is easy to use and fits your individual needs. Some locks may require a key to unlock, while others may have a combination or code. Consider how easy it is to lock and unlock the lock, and whether it is easy to attach and remove from your scooter.
Price
Finally, consider the price of the lock. While you don’t want to skimp on security, you also don’t want to overspend on a lock that may not be necessary for your needs. Look for an acceptable trade-off: the level of security you need at a price that fits your budget.
By taking the time to choose the right lock, you can help ensure that your mobility scooter stays safe and secure.
Installing a Mobility Scooter Lock
There are various types of locks that can be used to secure a mobility scooter. Some of the most common types of locks include cable locks, wheel locks, and ignition locks.
Cable Locks
Cable locks are a popular type of lock for securing mobility scooters. They are affordable and easy to use. Cable locks consist of a cable that can be looped around the frame of the mobility scooter and secured with a padlock. Cable locks are lightweight and portable, making them easy to carry when you are out and about.
Wheel Locks
Wheel locks are another type of lock that can be used to secure a mobility scooter. Wheel locks are designed to prevent the wheels of the mobility scooter from turning. They are easy to install and can be used on both front and rear wheels. Wheel locks are a good option if you are leaving your mobility scooter unattended for a short period of time.
Ignition Locks
Ignition locks are a type of lock that is installed in the ignition system of the mobility scooter. They are designed to prevent the mobility scooter from starting without a key. Ignition locks are a good option if you leave your mobility scooter unattended for a longer period.
When choosing a lock, it is important to consider the level of security that you need and the length of time that you will be leaving your mobility scooter unattended.
Parking Your Mobility Scooter
As well as locking your mobility scooter, it’s important to take other precautions to prevent theft or damage. Here are some tips to keep your mobility scooter secure:
Choosing a Safe Location
When parking your mobility scooter, choose a well-lit and busy area. Avoid secluded or poorly lit areas that may make it easier for thieves to steal your scooter.
Removing Valuables from Your Scooter
Remove valuables such as wallets, purses, or mobile phones when parking your mobility scooter. Thieves may be tempted to steal your scooter if they see valuable items on it. Keep your personal belongings with you or store them in a secure location.
Always be aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
Other tips for keeping your mobility scooter secure:
Shop For A Scooter With An Ignition key
Mobility scooters can differ in the way they start: some simply have a button that you need to press to switch it on, whereas others come with an ignition key.
Button-operated scooters, of course, can be much easier for thieves to take if you leave your scooter unattended. Getting a scooter with a starter key may, therefore, be the better option if you are planning on leaving your scooter unattended often.
Fit Your Scooter With A Tracker
If you are worried about your scooter being stolen, another good security measure is to fit a tracker to your scooter. Trackers work via GPS, tracking the scooter and sending a text to alert the owner of the scooter’s whereabouts.
This can be extremely useful for tracking down the scooter if it is stolen and helping the police to locate your scooter sooner.
Invest In A Wheel Lock
Another good security measure is to get a wheel lock for your scooter to deter potential thieves from trying to wheel your scooter away. Wheel locks simply clamp onto the wheel of your scooter and prevent anyone from wheeling it away – but they also act as a visual deterrent if you need to leave your scooter unattended.
Consider Where You Store Your Scooter
Thieves are most likely to target your scooter when it is left unattended, so where you store your scooter overnight and when not in use is an important consideration.
We would always recommend storing your scooter inside, preferably in a dedicated space where you can charge your scooter battery and secure it, either by locking it in a storage cage or keeping it actually inside your property.
Register Your Scooter Online
The UK also has a National Mobility Register, which is run by the National Federation of Shopmobility UK. This database costs just £12 per year to register and provides you with a sticker to put on your scooter so that if it is stolen, police can easily identify who owns the scooter when recovered and return it to you quickly.
Insurance
Finally, we’d highly recommend getting an insurance policy to cover you and your scooter in the unfortunate event of theft.
Our mobility scooter insurance policies cover you from theft, vandalism, accidental damage, third party liability, and more, to allow you to live life confidently knowing your investment in your scooter is covered.
Starting from just £3.80 per month, this is an easy but extremely practical way to protect your independence and finances in the case of your scooter being stolen.
Read more about our mobility scooter insurance and get a quote to cover your scooter today.
Conclusion
Securing your mobility scooter is essential to prevent theft, vandalism, and accidental damage. By following the tips in this article, you can significantly reduce the risk of your mobility scooter being stolen or damaged.
It’s important to remember to always park your mobility scooter in a safe and secure location, preferably in a well-lit area with CCTV cameras. You should also invest in a good quality lock or wheel clamp to prevent thieves from stealing your mobility scooter.
Lastly, consider purchasing mobility scooter insurance to protect yourself against theft, vandalism, and accidental damage. With insurance, you can have peace of mind knowing that you are covered in case of any unforeseen circumstances. Surewise cover starts from just £3.80 per month, and includes multiple riders with no age limit. Get a quote today!